How to stop procrastination is never easy and somehow it always find us hiding in the corner when we're faced with tasks that we'd rather forget we have.

I recently had a job that I was desperate not to do.  As the day began, all I could think about was how many ‘other' things I had to do and that, really, that task could wait (even though it really couldn't wait!).

It actually did make me cringe.

Aaaaggghhhhh what an awful feeling.  The dark cloud hanging over my head.

That feeling in the pit of your stomach.

The dread.  Ah the dread.

As I sat at my computer getting ready to start the day, I acknowledged all these feeling.  I acknowledge the physical response I was having to my resistance.

Was it comfortable?  Absolutely not.

Was it worth feeling like this?  Absolutely not.

How could I get myself out of this state?

1// It's Ok to splash in the puddle, but set a timer

I learnt a long time ago that sometimes you just need down time.  You may need time to think things through, space to create and get some inspiration – but the main thing is to give yourself a period of time so that it's not indefinite. 

In a word of ‘Hustling' you can feel guilty for down time but this is sometimes when your best ideas or problem solving juices flow. I've set a side time in my business regularly to think, just be and allow myself time to process.  It's meant that have less procrastination time because I'm clear on what I'm doing and why. 

 

2// Know when you need help

Understanding why you're procrastinating can really help as well. Do you need help with something because you're not sure what to do next?  This is one of the big reasons a lot of my clients work with me.  They just don't know what's next.  Maybe they don't know how to put a business or brand strategy together.  They don't know how to set up their pricing and packaging or how to structure their business.  That's totally okay too.  Getting help when you need it can help you push through that feeling of “I have no idea what's next” and can really help you to get out of your own way.

 

3// The Pomodoro Technique 

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that is well worth using if you find it hard to manage procrastination.  I personal call it time blocking – but you set aside 20-40 minutes in your diary to complete or work on a single task.  It's focused time that can help you get through things.  

 

It can help you tying up loose ends, complete projects and just get the work done, or as Seth Godin says – Ship it!   When you ‘Ship it' it'll help you be a completer.

Whether being a completer is part of who you are or not, it's about getting rid of that feeling of dread that brings you down and the procrastination that causes you anxiety and ongoing discomfort.

The sooner you tick it off your list, the happier you'll be.

Just remember that once it's done it means that it'll take less head space and be an emotional drain on you.  When you think about how crappy it is to do the job, just think about how crappy you feel thinking about it for days or weeks on end, instead of just getting on with it and making it happen.

Take the time to acknowledge the negative energy unfinished business creates and make the decision to clear those feeling out to make room for things that are going to bring you joy, create energy and provide excitement and passion.

It's all about choices.

Today I choose ease.

What would you rather choose to feel today?